Children’s poetry shows connection with pets

Kids may say the craziest things, but when it comes to their pets, they seem to say the most touching things too.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced this week the six winning poems for the Association’s 3rd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest. Two winners were selected from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade submissions. The poems are great and really show the connection that kids have with their pets. Two poems are below, but to read all six — and they are worth reading — click here.

Third Grade Winners

Lovable Kitties
By Sydney of Modesto, CA

One cat, two cat, three cat, four
All were chasing a ball of yarn on the floor.
First, we rescued Snowy and then there was Twitch
Then we found Rose and Taz in a ditch.
Mom said rescuing one would be okay,
But the lady at the shelter said it was a two for one special that day.
A house with four kids and four cats,
A crazy combination that could give our parents heart attacks.
One child, two child, three child, four
Loving their kitties more than the day before.

A Member of Our Family
By Shemar of Royal Palm Beach, FL

There’s a member in my family
and I know just who it is
My dog Max is the one
who’s like another kid.

His fur is white and black
with a little touch of brown
His eye’s are big and shiny
and he never wears a frown.

He likes to play fetch
and cuddle up with us
He’s soft and fuzzy
and we never make a fuss.

We adopted him from a shelter
where he was sad and all alone
He looked misunderstood
so we brought him home.

He’s the best dog ever
that is easy to see
That’s because he is
the best dog he can be.

About the Author

Cathy M. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in public relations, communications and humane education in the animal welfare field. She has worked for local humane societies and national humane groups, appearing on hundreds of television and radio news and public affairs programs to address animal issues. She currently is a consultant for local and national animal welfare organizations, writing grants, annual reports and other marketing materials. She is also the author of several children's books about animals.